Thirty House and Senate Democrats unveiled a new $94 billion proposal on Thursday to make broadband Internet access more accessible and affordable nationwide, aiming to remedy some of the digital inequalities that have kept millions of Americans offline during the coronavirus pandemic.

The new effort, chiefly authored by Rep. James Clyburn (D-S.C.) and Sen. Amy Klobuchar (D-Minn.), marks one of the most expensive, ambitious broadband packages proposed in recent years. It aims to commit record-breaking sums to bring Internet service to areas where it doesn’t exist, improve speeds in places where connectivity is sluggish and help families who are struggling to pay their monthly bills.

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The legislation would also add an extra $2 billion to the $7 billion in funding for the E-Rate program that was included in the coronavirus relief package expected to be signed by President Biden later this week.

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The bill was introduced in both chambers last Congress but never received a vote.

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See Also: SC Rep. Jim Clyburn Reintroduces Bill That Funds Broadband Internet In Rural Communities (via Post and Courier)

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Broadband Infrastructure Proposal Targets Digital Divide (via SHLB)

Public Knowledge Welcomes Bill Investing $100 Billion to Connect More Families